What action should be taken when experiencing severe weather during flight?

When experiencing severe weather during flight, altering course to avoid hazardous weather conditions is the most effective action. This approach not only helps to prevent potential physical damage to the aircraft but also ensures the safety of everyone on board. Severe weather can include thunderstorms, turbulence, icing, and other significant phenomena that can lead to loss of control or other emergencies. By changing course, pilots can navigate around these dangers and find safer conditions, ultimately reducing risk to the aircraft and passengers.

The other responses, while they may have some relevance in certain situations, do not prioritize safety as directly. For instance, proceeding with caution and minimizing altitude changes does not effectively address severe weather, as caution alone does not mitigate the inherent risks posed by flying through dangerous conditions. Attempting to fly above the weather may not be feasible in all cases, as the height and type of weather systems can vary significantly. Additionally, relying solely on onboard weather systems may not provide real-time updates or comprehensive situational awareness necessary to make the best navigation decisions during severe conditions. Altering course stands out as the most proactive and safety-focused choice in managing the challenges posed by severe weather in flight.